Darkfield Condenser Adjustment

This Java tutorial allows the student to experiment with the adjustable parameters in condenser alignment and configuration for darkfield microscopy. Instructions about how to use the tutorial appear below the applet window.

The default settings for the tutorial are a perfectly aligned condenser under darkfield illumination. The Sample Fine Focus slider allows the visitor to adjust focus on the sample. Use the slider labeled Opaque Stop Size to toggle through a series of stops that range from 8 millimeters to 24 millimeters in diameter. The effect on substage darkfield Condenser Position is also controlled by a slider that demonstrates how the viewfield changes as the condenser is raised and lowered. A set of radio buttons allows the visitor to toggle a Bertrand lens in and out of the viewfield. X and Y Position sliders are used to center the darkfield stop in the rear focal plane of the objective using the Bertrand lens.